Excessive moisture in households is a prevalent issue that leads to harm to walls and ceilings, and without proper ventilation, it promotes the growth of fungi. Such conditions can result in various health problems, ranging from nasal congestion to irritated eyes and skin. An organic solution to regulate humidity levels and prevent mold formation is by incorporating houseplants into your living space.
Although commonly seen on outdoor walls and trees, English Ivy can also thrive indoors. It is native to the temperate forests of the European Atlantic coasts, where humid conditions prevail. As a dehumidifying plant, it is an excellent option for beginners to houseplants, with its easy-to-grow nature and effective reduction of mold and air pollutants. The plant looks attractive as a hanging or climbing feature and can be placed in high-humidity rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens, or near windows. However, it can quickly spread and become invasive under optimal conditions. Therefore, ensure proper drainage by using pots with ample holes at the bottom. English Ivy prefers indirect sunlight and can be kept in shaded areas during the summer months. To avoid wilting, maintain the soil’s moisture level without overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
The peace lily, scientifically known as Spathiphyllum, is a tropical plant originating from certain parts of the Americas, sensitive to frost and currents.
This plant is an excellent choice for reducing humidity and purifying the air in your home, offering the added benefit of removing specific pollutants. Peace lilies thrive on water and have the ability to absorb moisture from the air. Keeping the soil consistently moist and providing bright, indirect light are crucial for their well-being. With adequate lighting, they can bloom year-round, showcasing beautiful white flowers. They require watering approximately once a week and can tolerate low-light conditions, making them suitable for rooms with limited sunlight.
During the summer, having multiple peace lilies in one location can assist in regulating indoor temperature by absorbing excess humidity from the air.
It’s important to note that while these plants are not true members of the lily family, they are mildly toxic if ingested by humans or animals. Therefore, it is advisable to keep them out of reach of children and pets for safety reasons.
The Boston fern is a popular indoor plant that thrives in humid conditions, making it naturally adept at absorbing moisture from the air. It prefers indirect sunlight, thriving in moderate light levels rather than direct light or complete darkness, and can adapt to both low-humidity and moist environments. Additionally, it has the ability to purify the air by removing toxins, making it an excellent choice for areas with high humidity. Not only is the Boston fern beneficial for air quality, but it also adds visual appeal to your space.
These ferns are effective in reducing air stickiness and maintaining optimal moisture levels in your home. However, they are sensitive to dry air, and if exposed to it, their fronds can dry out, leading to the demise of the plant. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the soil consistently moist to ensure successful growth of the Boston fern.
Spider plants have gained popularity in households due to their low-maintenance care, resilient growth, and captivating appearance. With their gracefully arching leaves, these plants add a touch of elegance to any space. They earned their name because, as they mature, they produce small plantlets resembling spiders.
Thriving in high-humidity environments, spider plants excel at purifying the air by eliminating approximately 90% of harmful indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene. Propagating them is also a breeze. These plants can derive nutrients and moisture from the air, making them effective natural dehumidifiers. They require medium light when kept indoors, as excessive shade can cause them to lose the distinctive white stripes on their leaves, while direct sunlight can result in leaf burn. Spider plants have a tolerance for occasional water scarcity, thanks to their water-storing thick root system. However, during summer, it is advisable to increase the frequency of watering. Hanging a spider plant over a bathtub can create an appealing display.
In regions with uncomfortably high summer humidity, clustering multiple spider plants together can assist in reducing humidity levels and cooling down your home effectively. The more spider plants you have, the greater the impact on humidity reduction and overall cooling.
Tillandsias are a distinctive type of indoor plants characterized by their funnel-shaped structure and triangular leaves. They belong to the epiphytic category, meaning they don’t rely on soil and instead derive nutrients from the air. This is why they are commonly known as air plants. They thrive in warmer temperatures, making them ideal choices for summer houseplants. In their natural habitat of the southern United States, tillandsias can be found clinging to rocks, shrubs, and trees. Remarkably, these plants can flourish indoors without the need for extensive root structures or direct sunlight. They are adept at absorbing nutrients and moisture from the air through their leaves. Their exceptional ability to absorb moisture contributes to reducing the water vapor content in the air, resulting in a cooler environment.
Caring for air plants is relatively straightforward as they don’t require soil. Regularly checking their condition and repotting them during the growing season is hassle-free. Giving them a thorough soak in water for 10-15 minutes every week will sustain them for a long time. Air plants can be displayed on a bookshelf or housed in a glass jar. They require an ample amount of light to thrive, making a southern or east-facing window an ideal spot for them.
